LOCATION
OF STUDIO AND TRANSMITTER
Before you set up the station, find an adequate location. Since the
antenna will be there as well, in most cases a site with adequate
elevation is required. Ideally the top of a hill or a spot
somewhere on the side of a hill overlooking the area of coverage is
best. FM transmission is “line of sight.” The
transmitting antenna and receiving antenna must be able to
“see” each other. Therefore, any large obstructions
will have a tendency to block the signal path. Keep this in mind
when choosing your location. If your site is a one to three story
building, a 30-foot push-up style mast attached and guyed to the
roof or a TV antenna style tower bracketed to the side of the
building will be needed to provide adequate height for the antenna.
At the very least, you need to have the antenna at least 40-50 feet
above the ground. In some areas a building permit may be needed to
attach a mast or tower to a building. An increase of just 10 to 15
feet in antenna height can be more effective than an increase in
transmitter power. When Free Radio Berkeley was broadcasting from
the Berkeley hills, about 700-800 feet above average terrain, a
25-30 watt signal went a distance of 20-25 miles. It is good
practice to keep the transmitter some distance from the audio
studio since the radio frequency emissions from the transmitter can
get into the audio equipment, causing noise and hum. Your
transmitter should be set up in another room, attic space, etc. as
close to the antenna as possible. Keep the distance from the
transmitter to antenna as short as possible. This will minimize
signal loss in the coaxial cable feeding the antenna. These are
some of the basic issues regarding site selection. Landlords, room
mates, leases etc. are your problem. If you are leasing a space, it
is best to have an up-front conversation with your landlord,
explaining that you are engaging in free speech activity, not
felonious behavior despite what the FCC agents might say to the
contrary if they make contact with him or her. More stations have
been shut down by freaked out landlords than by FCC agents waving
papers. A lease provides a reasonable firewall between your
activities and the legal exposure of the property
owner.